“The cessation of hostilities should be done in days, not hours” (White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan).
“We don’t have a stopwatch” (Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant)
As civilian casualties in the Palestinian Gaza Strip rapidly increase, the United States and Israel are showing differences of opinion over ceasefires and hospital bombings. Regarding the bombing of Al Shifa Hospital in the Gaza Strip, U.S. President Joe Biden emphasized that “hospitals must be protected,” while Israel is fighting back by disclosing evidence that the hospital was used as a command center by Hamas.
In response to a reporter’s question about damage to hospitals in the Gaza Strip at the White House on the 13th (local time), President Biden said, “I express concern about what is happening now and hope that there will be action that does not invade hospitals.” On the same day, National Security Advisor Sullivan also said, “Patients and hospitals must be protected. “Israel also shares the view that it does not want gunfights in hospitals and is prepared to supply fuel to hospitals.”
On this day, the Israeli military released a related video, saying that it had secured evidence related to terrorism at Lantisi Hospital in the Gaza Strip. Israeli military spokesman Daniel Hagari emphasized, “We have also confirmed evidence that Hamas used the hospital as a command center for operations and detained hostages.” He disclosed weapons such as firearms and bombs that were believed to have been used by Hamas, as well as a motorcycle, and claimed, “This motorcycle was used during Hamas’ attack on Israel on the 7th of last month.”
The difference in perspectives between the two sides regarding the ceasefire is also clear. “In the context of hostage release, we want a significantly longer cessation of fighting, in the order of days rather than hours,” Sullivan said. Israel announced last week that it must extend the suspension of fighting in the northern part of the Gaza Strip for four hours every day to help civilians escape the war zone.
Then Israeli Defense Minister Gallant said, “We don’t have a stopwatch. “Our troops have advanced everywhere in Gaza,” he said. “Terrorists are fleeing south and civilians are looting Hamas bases. “The people of Gaza no longer trust the (Hamas) government,” he said.
Meanwhile, Hamas, which had discussed a plan to release hostages held in the Gaza Strip under the condition of a ‘five-day ceasefire’ with Israel through Qatar’s mediation, criticized Israel for delaying negotiations.
Cairo =
Washington =
Source: Donga
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.